88U: Railway Operations Crewmember

Major Duties: The Railway Operations Crewmember supervises and/or operates diesel-electric locomotives and related equipment; serves as crewmember or brakeman in makeup and movement of railway cars/trains; and dispatches trains or operates railway stations, railway signals and switches, and controls train movements. Duties for MOS 88U at each level are:

• Skill Levels
  • Skill Level 1 MOSC 88U1O. Interprets train orders. Executed instructions received from signal towers, switches, other trains and trainmen. Signals with fuses, torpedoes, hands, flags, lamps, and engine whistles. Performs car coupling and uncoupling operations. Inspects cars at route stops; adjusts lashing and bracing to assure safe hauling of cargo. Advises dispatcher of arrival and departure times for all passing trains; compiles records of locations of all rolling stock. Performs lubrication orders on railway cars and makes minor running repairs. Seals cars and records seal numbers.
    
    
  • Skill Level 2 MOSC 88U2O. Supervises and provides technical guidance to subordinates performing their duties. Operates the locomotive’s controls and safety appliances. Observes interprets, and executes instructions received from signal towers, switches, other trains, and trainmen. Coordinates train movements; complies with operating timetable, rule book, and other specific instructions. Receives requisitions for empty cars and authorizes movement to locations for loading. Complies performance and delay reports for each trip and turns in locomotive inspection report showing equipment defects which require correction.
    
    
  • Skill Level 3 MOSC 88U3O. Supervises handling, classification and switching of cars and trains in railway yards; maintains record of daily movement of cars. Rebored receives, writes and transmits train orders; keeps crews informed of changes inroad condition and schedules. Reviews operation and inspection reports. Investigates train schedule delays and recommends corrective action. Assigns locomotive operators and crewmen.
    
    
  • Skill Level 4 MOSC 88U4O. Establishes liaison with using agencies and representatives of civilian and military railroads. Supervises receipt and transmission of telephonic and telegraphed messages relating to train movements. Reviews time sheets to keep abreast of each scheduled train passing through territory. Investigates accidents and unusual operating incidents and recommends corrective action. Assists in providing staff supervision of subordinate unit railway operating activities.

Physical demands rating and qualifications for initial award of MOS. The railway operations crewmember must possess the following qualifications:

(1) Physical Demands Rating: moderately heavy

(2) Physical Profile: 222232

(3) Normal color vision.

(4) Minimum score of 95 in aptitude area MM.

(5) Formal training (completion of MOS 88U course conducted under the auspices of the Transportation School) mandatory or meet the civilian acquired skills criteria listed in AR 601-210.

The major duties, physical demands, physical profile, and skill levels were obtained from Army Pamphlet 611-21.

MOS List for Transportation Corps